What is a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine?

What is a DO?

Doctors of Osteopathic Medicine (DOs) are fully licensed physicians who apply their
distinct philosophy to patient care in every medical specialty. They are taught from
early on that optimal health is a dynamic interaction between the mind, body, and
spirit. From this philosophy, osteopathic physicians naturally focus on understanding
the person they are treating rather than only the presenting symptoms. The goal of
the osteopathic physician is to enhance the body’s natural self-healing processes.
This holistic approach is the heart of osteopathic medicine and is done with empathy
and compassion whether hands on osteopathic manipulative treatment is used or modalities
such as pharmaceuticals or surgery. With over 100,000 practicing DOs in the US currently,
the US healthcare system stands to benefit from the care and treatment by DOs who
embody the osteopathic philosophy.